Recent studies published by the Scottish government said endemic alcohol abuse in some parts of Scotland led directly to the deaths of 3,000 Scots each year and cost the economy £3.5bn a year in hospital admissions and lost productivity

It's opposed by retailers and the drinks industry, who are threatening legal action.

What would be affected?

The interesting thing too is how many drinks would not be affected at all. 20 of 36 drinks on the official list are already priced above the 50p per unit limit. We've also added Buckfast fortified wine - cited in 5,000 crime reports in Scotland - which, at an average price of £7.09 per bottle, is priced at over 60p per unit as it is.

The moves come as alcohol consumption amounts have actually started to fall - although they remain higher in Scotland than in the rest of Britain.